Located more than 183 kilometers from Hanoi airport, Halong Bay means “where the dragon descends into the sea.” Keeping this in mind, there is little doubt about how special this place must be. Halong Bay’s over a thousand islands make it one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist attractions.
Hanoi Airport (Noi Bai International Airport) is situated in a suburban area, roughly 35 kilometers from the center of Vietnam’s capital city. When you arrive, you can either travel directly to Halong Bay or transit in Hanoi’s center before carrying on with your journey to this wonder of the world.
Now, here we will discuss all the possible ways to get to Ha Long Bay from Noi Bai Airport and will fight out the most suitable option.
Map Hanoi airport to Halong
1. Travel by airplane
The nearest airports to Halong Bay are Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong City, 60 kilometers) and Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh Province, 56 kilometers). However, there is no flight connecting directly from Hanoi to these airports, and as a result, travelers need to take transit at Da Nang Airport or Sai Gon Airport, and then continue onto Ha Long Bay. The total travel time might take at least 6–8 hours, including 2 flights and 1 road transfer.
However, if you travel from the center or south of Vietnam and plan to visit Halong Bay, you can consider these options.
2. Travel by Road – Expressway
Rosa Bus to Halong
Traveling by airplane and train seems to be the priority for other destinations; however, these are not recommended for trips to Ha Long Bay, when considering the lack of economy and time savings.
Since 2018, the expressway connecting the northern economic triangle, including Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh has been officially put into operation. With a maximum speed of 100 km/h, it will only take 1 hour and 30 minutes from Ha Long to Hanoi, instead of 3–4 hours before. Therefore, traveling by road from Hanoi to Ha Long is the most popular choice because of its convenience and time savings, which can bring added comfort and great experiences to passengers.
As mentioned above, Hanoi Airport is situated in a suburban area, therefore, most of the time, travelers choose to make a stopover in Hanoi City Center before heading to other destinations, including Ha Long Bay. After reaching Hanoi Centre, you can get on the morning daily shuttle bus from Hanoi Centre to Ha Long Bay Harbour:
Departure time: about 7:00–7:30 AM
Pick-up: within Hanoi Old Quarter
Drop-off: Tuan Chau Harbour or Ha Long City
The shuttle bus is considered convenient and budget-saving. Travelers can take the bus in the morning and enjoy a cruise/beach trip later that day.
Do not miss out on the best offer:
So, what if you arrive at the airport at an awkward time of day, you do not want to stopover in the city center, you highly value privacy, or you simply want to take control of your trip to Ha Long after a long flight?
We can offer a private car or coach trip from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay that can solve the problems you might be questioning.
The direct excursion will engage in many intriguing experiences: comfort, privacy, and time efficiency, but it is surprisingly budget-friendly.
The process is convenient; you will have our driver ready and waiting for you upon arrival at the airport, and he will then drive you straight to Halong Harbour or any accommodation in the city. The price is agreed upon in advance and fixed, keeping you away from scams or any worries beyond your expectations.
3. Travel By Local Train
The Yen Vien (Hanoi)-Ha Long (Quang Ninh) railway line, more than 130 km long, “famous” for having only 1 train trip per day, has temporarily stopped operating since 2020 and has no plan to resume operations.
Another possible option is taking a road transfer from Hanoi Airport to Hanoi Train Station. From the station, you can buy a 3-hour train ticket to Hai Phong Train Station and then take a road transfer to Ha Long Bay. The total travel time is about 6 hours, including 1 train journey and 2 road transfers.
4.Travel by airplane Seaplane
Seaplane Hanoi to Halong
Traveling from Hanoi Airport to Ha Long Bay by airplane is a senseless idea, but taking a seaplane instead is an unconventional plan, a unique experience.
After 45 minutes of admiring the stunning northern delta of Vietnam from Hanoi airport, you continue to be amazed by the fairy-tale beauty of Ha Long Bay from a bird’s-eye view for 15 minutes before landing on Tuan Chau Island Marina.
Hai Au Aviation is the only company offering this quick, comfortable, fun-filled, and luxurious trip with prices ranging from USD 345 to USD 785. A combination ticket that includes a seaplane one way and the return way by private car or shuttle bus is a smart choice if you desire to have this unforgettable experience and still stay within budget. Do not hesitate to contact us for more details.
We have learned together about the means of transport from Hanoi airport to Ha Long Bay. Price range, time management, and convenience are important factors to consider carefully before each trip. As we understand, as a holiday seeker, you always look for the most suitable option to make the most of your vacation. We are thrilled to discuss and assist you in making this a wonderful reality.
